Shane Vereen's first playoff game is one to remember.

Shane Vereen only appeared in five games in his rookie season last year. He didn't appear in a single playoff game.

But tonight, when Danny Woodhead went down with a thumb injury on the Patriots' first play of the game, Vereen made the most of his opportunities.

The second-year running back scored three times, rushed for 41 yards and caught five passes for 83 yards during tonight's 41-28 AFC divisional win over Houston.

"When your number is called, you’re expected to execute," said Vereen. "You’re expected to do things well. That’s about it."

His three touchdowns tie Rob Gronkowski and Curtis Martin for the most in a Patriots’ playoff game. He also became the third player in NFL postseason history to collect two receiving touchdowns and a rushing touchdown in a game, according to Elias Sports Bureau, joining San Francisco’s Roger Craig (1984) and Ricky Watters (1994).

"Shane had a great game," said quarterback Tom Brady. "Really just a huge growing up moment for him, so very special. It was for everybody. There were a lot of guys that made a lot of plays. We needed it. It was a good football team with a lot of good plays, but we have another one coming in next week."